howaythelads

30,000 odd Sunderland fans flocked to the Stadium of Light; me and the lads amongst them. Obviously it was a   c o m p l e t e  coincidence that there was football in the NE that coincided with our Easter visit ... complete  coincidence. 

A deflected shot by stand out (for me) player Harness put Burton ahead before a laboured and almost fearful Sunderland finally exerted some authority and equalised before half time.  They also hit the bar and post in the game but Burton Albion equally played with craft and guile and could have made a decent case for going home with all 3 points had it ended in their favour. But 1-1 it stayed throughout the 2nd half and the 34 Brewers fans must have been delighted ahead of the long trek home.

And then to Alex 's highlight. Walking back across the bridge over the Wear with thousands of others, just like the scene he's seen plenty on Netflix in compelling docudrama Sunderland Til I Die. 

"I couldn't see the pavement or anything " he enthused. He loved being swept along in the throng.  Obviously not destined to follow in my footsteps as a Stirling Albion fan, then....

They were late in...gone 11 by the time we had negotiated the night time Newcastle streets. 

Earlier we'd scooted around Gateshead admiring the sights and most memorably an outdoor table football game. A quick shopping outing early afternoon before we headed off for the coincidental game.

8C; easterly winds. Mainly dry.